Building device for covering a plurality of beams

ABSTRACT

A building device is disclosed for covering a plurality of beams in which each beam is disposed parallel to an adjacent beam. The building device includes a first elongate portion which has a first and a second end and a first and a second edge. The elongate portion defines a plurality of arms. A second elongate portion has a first and a second extremity and a first and a second side. The second elongate portion defines a plurality of members such that each member cooperates with a corresponding arm of said plurality of arms. The second portion cooperates with the first portion for defining therebetween a plurality of cavities with each cavity of the plurality of cavities receiving therein a conduit for the flow therethrough of a fluid heat transfer medium.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a building device for covering a plurality of beams.

More specifically, the present invention relates to a building device for covering a plurality of beams in which each beam is disposed parallel to an adjacent beam.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the building industry, a roof includes a number of roofing trusses. More specifically, in a simple roof configuration, each truss is disposed parallel to an adjacent truss.

A typical roofing truss includes a horizontally disposed ceiling joist and a first and a second rafter extending from opposite ends of the ceiling joist to a roof ridge.

When the roofing trusses have been installed, the normal roofing operation includes nailing sheets of roofing material such as oriented strand board (OSB) to the rafters. When the roofing sheets have been secured to the rafters, tar paper is laid and nailed to the upper surface of the roofing sheets. Metallic edging strips are then attached to the peripheral edges of the roof. Finally, roofing shingles are nailed to the roofing sheets so that the tar paper is disposed between the roofing sheets and the shingles.

Needless to say, the aforementioned roofing operation is labor intensive and thus relatively costly.

Additionally, with the ever increasing demand for solar heating of buildings, the cost of roof construction has become a major portion of the overall construction cost of a building.

The present invention provides a unique system which greatly reduces the time and expense associated with roof construction while at the same time providing the basic requirements for the optional installation of items such as a solar heating system and allowing the capability of attaching and routing various utility and building materials.

Therefore, it is a primary feature of the present invention to provide a building device for covering a plurality of beams that overcomes the problems associated with the prior art arrangements.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision of a building device for covering a plurality of beams that greatly reduces the cost of fabricating a roof.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision of a building device for covering a plurality of beams that greatly reduces the cost of fabricating a flooring system.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art by a consideration of the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention contained herein.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

In the present invention, the labor intensive steps of nailing roofing sheets is avoided together with the cost of purchasing such roofing sheets. Also, the step of nailing tar paper is no longer required.

Furthermore, with the arrangement according to the present invention, no edging strips and their installation is required.

Above all, no shingles are required together with the relatively expensive operation of aligning and nailing such shingles to the roofing sheets.

Another advantage of the roofing construction according to the present invention is that in a conventional roof with roof shingles, such shingles must be replaced on an average every twenty five years. However, with the arrangement according to the present invention, the roofing will last indefinitely.

Additionally, the device according to the present invention is also applicable to a flooring system and would incorporate means for circulating a fluid such as heated water for providing under floor heating, being able to add utilities, and capabilities to add additional building materials to the device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a building device for covering a plurality of beams. The arrangement is such that each beam is disposed parallel to an adjacent beam. The building device includes a first elongate portion which has a first and a second end and a first and a second edge. The first elongate portion defines a plurality of arms. A second elongate portion has a first and a second extremity and a first and a second side. The second elongate portion defines a plurality of members such that when the first elongate member has been fastened to the beams, each member cooperates with an adjacent arm of the plurality of arms so that the second elongate portion is secured to the first elongate portion. The second portion cooperates with the first portion for defining therebetween a plurality of cavities with each cavity of the plurality of cavities receiving therein a fluid heat transfer medium, utilities or other building materials.

In a more specific embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of beams are a plurality of roofing rafters.

Moreover, the first elongate portion extends from the first to the second end thereof in a first direction which is normal to the plurality of roofing rafters which extend in a second direction.

Furthermore, the first elongate portion is disposed beneath the second elongate portion.

Additionally, the second elongate portion extends from the first to the second extremity thereof in the first direction which is disposed normal to the plurality of roofing rafters which extend in the second direction.

Further, the second elongate portion is fabricated from water impervious material.

Additionally, the second elongate portion defines a surface which is impervious to rain and the elements.

Each surface includes an overlap extension which cooperates with an adjacent second elongate portion so that adjacent second elongate portions are sealed relative to each other for inhibiting ingress of rain and the elements between adjacent second elongate portions.

Moreover, each building device defines a conduit for a flow therethrough in which the incorporation of solar heated fluid, cooling, utilities, or other building materials may be added.

A conduit of each building device sealingly cooperates with a conduit of an adjacent building device such that the conduits generate a passageway in which the incorporation of solar heated fluid, cooling, utilities, or other building materials may be added.

More specifically, each conduit extends through at least one of the cavities defined between the first and second elongate portions.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of beams are a plurality of floor joists.

The first elongate portion extends from the first to the second end thereof in a first direction which is disposed normal to the plurality of floor joists which extend in a second direction.

Furthermore, the first elongate portion is disposed beneath the second elongate portion.

When the first elongate portion has been fastened to the floor joists, an arm of the plurality of arms cooperates with an adjacent member of the second elongate portion. Also, the second elongate portion extends from the first to the second extremity thereof in the first direction which is normal to the plurality of floor joists which extend in the second direction.

Each building device defines a conduit for a flow therethrough of a floor heating fluid or in which the incorporation of solar heated fluid, cooling, utilities, or other building materials may be added.

Additionally, a conduit of each building device sealingly cooperates with a conduit of an adjacent building device such that the conduits generate a passageway to complete a circuit for the floor heating fluid or the incorporation of solar heated fluid, cooling, utilities, or other building materials that may be added.

Each conduit extends through at least one of the cavities defined between the first and second elongate portions.

Many modifications and variations of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art by a consideration of the detailed description contained hereinafter taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings which show a preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, such modifications and variations fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a building device according to the present invention for covering a plurality of beams;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view partially in section taken on the line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4. is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 3 but shows the second portion disposed above the first portion;

FIG. 5 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 4 but shows the second portion secured to the first portion 16;

FIG. 6 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 5 but shows a further building device disposed adjacent to the building device shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 6 but shows a conduit disposed within a cavity defined between the portions for a flow therethrough of solar heated fluid or for the incorporation of solar heated fluid, cooling, utilities, or other building materials that may be added.

FIG. 8 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 1 but shows another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a view taken on the line 9-9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 9 but shows the first elongate portion with a second elongate portion disposed above the first elongate portion;

FIG. 11 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 10 but shows the second elongate portion secured to the first portion;

FIG. 12 is a view partially in section similar to that shown in FIG. 3 but shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 12 but shows the second portion disposed above the first portion and ready to be moved towards the first portion;

FIG. 14 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 13 but shows the second portion secured to the first portion; and

FIG. 15 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 14 but shows two solar heating pipes extending through the cavity defined between the cooperating portions.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the various views and embodiments of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a building device generally designated 10 according to the present invention for covering a plurality of beams 12, 13 and 14 in which each beam such as beam 12 is disposed parallel to an adjacent beam 13.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the device 10 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the building device 10 includes a first elongate portion 16 which has a first and a second end 18 and 20 respectively and a first and a second edge 22 and 24 respectively. The first elongate portion 16 defines a plurality of arms 26 and 27. A second elongate portion 30 has a first and a second extremity 32 and 34 respectively and a first and a second side 36 and 38 respectively.

FIG. 3 is a view partially in section taken on the line 3-3 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the first elongate portion 16 is fastened to the beam 12 by nails 28.

FIG. 4. is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 3 but shows the second portion 30 disposed above the first portion 16 and ready to be moved towards the first portion 16 as indicated by the arrow 31.

FIG. 5 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 4 but shows the second portion 30 secured to the first portion 16. As shown in FIG. 5, the arms 26 to 27 cooperate with the members 40 to 41 which extend from the second portion 30 for securing the second elongate portion 30 to the first elongate portion 16.

As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of beams 12 to 14 are a plurality of roofing rafters 12 to 14.

Moreover, the first elongate portion 16 extends from the first to the second end 18 and 20 respectively, as shown in FIG. 1, in a first direction as indicated by the arrow 48 which is disposed normal to the plurality of roofing rafters 12 to 14 which extend in a second direction as indicated by the arrow 50.

Furthermore, the first elongate portion 16 is disposed beneath the second elongate portion 30.

FIG. 6 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 5 but shows a further building device 10′ disposed adjacent to the building device 10. As shown in FIG. 6, the building device 10′ has identical features 26′, 27′, 30′, 40′, and 41′ to the device 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, the second portion 30 cooperates with the first portion 16 for defining therebetween a plurality of cavities 44, 45 and 46.

FIG. 7 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 6 but shows a conduit 62 disposed within the cavity 44 for a flow therethrough of solar heated fluid.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1, the second elongate portion 30 extends from the first extremity 32 to the second extremity 34 in the first direction 48 which is disposed normal to the plurality of roofing rafters 12 to 14 which extend in the second direction 50.

Further, the second elongate portion 30 is fabricated from water impervious material.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 7, the second elongate portion 30 defines a surface 56 which is impervious to rain and the elements.

As shown in FIG. 7, the surface 56 of the elongate second portion 30′ includes an overlap extension 58′ which cooperates with the adjacent second elongate portion 30 so that adjacent second elongate portions 30 and 30′ are sealed relative to each other for inhibiting ingress of rain and the elements between adjacent second elongate portions 30 and 30′.

Moreover, each member such as member 40 of the plurality of members 40 to 41 shown in FIG. 2, cooperates with arm 26 of arms 26 to 27. Also, the cavity 44 defined between the cooperating first and second elongate portions 16 and 30 provides a space for the conduit 62 for permitting a flow therethrough of a heat transfer medium. The heat transfer medium includes alternatively solar heated fluid or cooling fluid. The cavity may also house utilities, or other building materials that may be added.

The conduit 62 of each device 10 and 10′, sealingly cooperates with a conduit of an adjacent portion such that the conduits 62 generate a passageway to complete a circuit for the solar heated fluid or for the incorporation of solar heated fluid, cooling, utilities, or other building materials that may be added.

FIG. 8 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 1 but shows another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the plurality of beams 12 a, 13 a and 14 a are a plurality of floor joists 12 a to 14 a.

As shown in FIG. 8, the first elongate portion 16 a extends from the first end 18 a to the second end thereof 20 a in a first direction 48 a which is disposed normal to the plurality of floor joists 12 a to 14 a which extend in a second direction 50 a.

Furthermore, the first elongate portion 16 a is disposed beneath the second elongate portion 30 a.

FIG. 9 is a view taken on the line 9-9 of FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 9, a first elongate portion 16 a is nailed in position on the floor joist 12 a by three nails.

FIG. 10 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 9 but shows the first elongate portion 16 a with a second elongate portion 30 a disposed above the first elongate portion 16 a.

FIG. 11 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 10 but shows the second elongate portion 30 a with the members 40 a and 41 a having engaged with arms 26 a and 27 a of the first elongate portion 16 a so that the second portion 30 a is locked and secured to the first portion 16 a due to a locking interaction between cooperating catches which extend from the respective arms and members 26 a to 27 a and 40 a to 41 a respectively as shown in FIG. 11.

As shown in FIG. 11, a cavity 44 a defined between the portions 16 a and 30 a houses a conduit 62 a for a flow therethrough of floor heating fluid.

As shown in FIG. 11, the first elongate portion 16 a is disposed beneath the second elongate portion 30 a.

FIG. 12 is a view partially in section similar to that shown in FIG. 3 but shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 12, the first elongate portion 16 b is fastened to the beam 12 b by nails. Additionally, the arms 26 b and 27 b define heads with double undercuts to facilitate extrusion of the portion 16 b.

FIG. 13. is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 12 but shows the second portion 30 b disposed above the first portion 16 b and ready to be moved towards the first portion 16 b as indicated by the arrow 31 b.

FIG. 14 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 13 but shows the second portion 30 b secured to the first portion 16 b. As shown in FIG. 14, the arms 26 b to 27 b cooperate with the members 40 b and 41 b which extend from the second portion 30 b for securing the second elongate portion 30 b to the first elongate portion 16 b. The members 40 b and 41 b as shown in section are shaped for receiving and locking therein the respective heads of the arms 26 b and 27 b respectively. Also, the shape of the members 40 b and 41 b facilitate the manufacture of the second portion 30 b by an extrusion process.

FIG. 15 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 14 but shows two solar heating pipes extending through the cavity defined between the cooperating portions 16 b and 30 b. These pipes can be threaded through the cavity subsequent to the securing of the portion 30 b to the portion 16 b. Alternatively, the pipes can be fastened onto the portion 16 b so that they are located within the cavity when the portion 30 b is secured to the portion 16 b. In this preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 to 15, both the portions 16 b and 30 b can be easily manufactured by extruding the portions 16 b and 30 b because the arms 26 b, 27 b and the members 40 b, 41 b and the cavity between the portions 16 b and 30 b all run in the same direction 48 as indicated in FIG. 1 for facilitating extrusion of the portions 16 b and 30 b in the direction 48.

In operation of the building device 10 according to the present invention, the portion 16 is fastened to the roofing rafters by nailing or the like. The second portion 30 is then located above the portion 16. The second elongate portion 30 is then pressed down so that the members 40 to 41 cooperate with the arms 26 to 27. As shown, the arms 26 to 27 define locking tabs which entrap therein correspondingly shaped catches defined by the members 40 to 41. Another building device 10′ identical to the device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is then assembled adjacent to the device 10 as shown in FIG. 7 so that the respective second portions 30 and 30′ abut against each other with the extension 58′ overlapping the adjacent side of the portion 30 for generating therebetween a watertight seal.

Thereafter, subsequent building devices are installed until the whole roof is covered. Subsequently, the conduit or utilities 62 is threaded through the cavities 44-46 for conveying solar heated fluid or in the case of floor joists, floor heating fluid cooling, utilities, or other building materials that may be added. The conduits 62 and 62 a when sealed define the passageway for solar heating and floor heating fluid, cooling, utilities, or other building materials that may be added respectively.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that specially shaped building devices can be provided within the concept of the present invention in order to provide a ridge covering for the roof. Other building devices can be shaped in order to be secured adjacent the eaves. Also, such building devices adjacent to the eaves may incorporate soffits and even include built in gutter units. The concept according to the present invention may also include built in heat or cold insulation and the roof surface can be provided with a weatherproof finish that is able to last indefinitely in order to maintain a waterproof roofing system that will not require replacement as is the case with conventional shingled roofing systems. Also, in the case of flooring, the surface may include a prefinished wood surface, a cushion type covering or even a carpet type finish.

Additionally, each second portion 30 may be manufactured with an overlap extension on the second extremity 34 in order to seal such portion 30 with an adjacent portion.

The elongate portions 16 and 30 may include continuous arms and members so that the portions 16 and 30 may be extruded. Also, the portions 16 a and 30 a may be manufactured with dimensions that are identical to the dimensions of the portions 16 and 30 thereby further reducing the manufacturing costs to a minimum.

The present invention provides a completely unique arrangement for the rapid and extremely cost effective installation of both a roofing structure or flooring in a domestic housing environment or in a commercial building project 

What is claimed is:
 1. A building device for covering a plurality of beams in which each beam is disposed parallel to an adjacent beam, said building device comprising: a first elongate portion having a first and a second end and a first and a second edge, said first elongate portion defining a plurality of arms; and a second elongate portion having a first and a second extremity and a first and a second side, said second elongate portion defining a plurality of members such that each member cooperates with a corresponding arm of said plurality of arms, said second portion cooperating with said first portion for defining therebetween a plurality of cavities, each cavity of said plurality of cavities permitting a flow therethrough of a fluid heat transfer medium.
 2. A building device for covering a plurality of beams as set forth in claim 1 wherein the plurality of beams are a plurality of roofing rafters; said first elongate portion extending from said first to said second end thereof in a first direction which is normal to said plurality of roofing rafters which extend in a second direction.
 3. A building device for covering a plurality of beams as set forth in claim 2 wherein said first elongate portion is disposed beneath said a second elongate portion.
 4. A building device for covering a plurality of beams as set forth in claim 3 wherein an arm of said plurality of arms cooperates with a member extending from said second elongate portion.
 5. A building device for covering a plurality of beams as set forth in claim 4 wherein said second elongate portion extends from said first to said second extremities thereof in said first direction which is normal to said plurality of roofing rafters which extend in said second direction.
 6. A building device for covering a plurality of beams as set forth in claim 1 wherein said second elongate portion is fabricated from water impervious material.
 7. A building device for covering a plurality of beams as set forth in claim 5 wherein said second elongate portion defines a surface which is impervious to rain and the elements.
 8. A building device for covering a plurality of beams as set forth in claim 7 wherein each surface includes an overlap extension which cooperates with an adjacent second elongate portion so that adjacent second elongate members are sealed relative to each other for inhibiting ingress of rain and the elements between adjacent second elongate members.
 9. A building device for covering a plurality of beams as set forth in claim 5 wherein each cavity houses a conduit for a flow therethrough of a fluid heat transfer medium.
 10. A building device for covering a plurality of beams as set forth in claim 9 wherein a conduit of each building device sealingly cooperates with a conduit of an adjacent building device such that said conduits generate a passageway to complete a circuit of said solar heating fluid.
 11. A building device for covering a plurality of beams as set forth in claim 1 wherein the plurality of beams are a plurality of floor joists; said first elongate portion extending from said first to said second end thereof in a first direction which is normal to said plurality of floor joists which extend in a second direction.
 12. A building device for covering a plurality of beams as set forth in claim 11 wherein said first elongate portion is disposed beneath said a second elongate portion.
 13. A building device for covering a plurality of beams as set forth in claim 12 wherein an arm of said plurality of arms cooperates a member extending from said second elongate portion for securing said second elongate portion to said first elongate portion.
 14. A building device for covering a plurality of beams as set forth in claim 13 wherein said second elongate portion extends from said first to said second extremities thereof in said first direction which is normal to said plurality of floor joists which extend in said second direction.
 15. A building device for covering a plurality of beams as set forth in claim 11 wherein each building device has at least one conduit for a flow therethrough of a floor heating fluid.
 16. A building device for covering a plurality of beams as set forth in claim 15 wherein a conduit of each building device sealingly cooperates with a conduit of an adjacent building device such that said conduits generate a passageway to complete a circuit of said floor heating fluid.
 17. A building device for covering a plurality of beams in which each beam is disposed parallel to an adjacent beam, said building device comprising: a first elongate portion having a first and a second end and a first and a second edge, said elongate portion defining a plurality of arms; a second elongate portion having a first and a second extremity and a first and a second side, said second elongate portion defining a plurality of members such that each member cooperates with a corresponding arm of said plurality of arms, said second portion cooperating with said first portion for defining therebetween a plurality of cavities; each building device having a conduit for a flow therethrough of a heat exchange fluid.
 18. A building device for covering a plurality of beams in which each beam is disposed parallel to an adjacent beam, said building device comprising: a first elongate portion having a first and a second end and a first and a second edge, said elongate portion defining a plurality of arms; a second elongate portion having a first and a second extremity and a first and a second side, said second elongate portion defining a plurality of members such that each member cooperates with a corresponding arm of said plurality of arms, said second portion cooperating with said first portion for defining therebetween a plurality of cavities; the plurality of beams being a plurality of roofing rafters; said first elongate portion extending from said first to said second end thereof in a first direction which is normal to said plurality of roofing rafters which extend in a second direction; said first elongate portion is disposed beneath said a second elongate portion; said second elongate portion extending from said first to said second extremities thereof in said first direction which is normal to said plurality of roofing rafters which extend in said second direction; said second elongate portion is fabricated from water impervious material; said second elongate portion defining a surface which is impervious to rain and the elements; each surface including an overlap extension which cooperates with an adjacent second elongate portion so that adjacent second elongate members are sealed relative to each other for inhibiting ingress of rain and the elements between adjacent second elongate members; each member of said plurality of members having a conduit for a flow therethrough of solar heating fluid; and said conduit of each member sealingly cooperating with a conduit of an adjacent building device such that said conduits generate a passageway to complete a circuit for said solar heating fluid. 